Human Resources (HR) Specialist

We are looking for a dependable Human Resources (HR) Specialist to support payroll and daily HR operations for a team based in Houston, Texas. This Long-term Contract position will play an important role in keeping employee information current, processing pay accurately, and helping staff through key employment milestones from onboarding to separation. The ideal candidate is organized, service-minded, and comfortable handling sensitive information while managing multiple recurring deadlines.

Responsibilities:

• Manage full-cycle payroll activities, including reviewing time records, applying pay adjustments, processing bonuses or reimbursements, and addressing discrepancies before final submission.
• Maintain accurate employee files and HR records while updating personnel changes such as promotions, transfers, compensation adjustments, title revisions, and separations.
• Coordinate onboarding tasks by preparing employment documents, arranging pre-employment screenings, setting up employee records, and supporting orientation and benefits enrollment.
• Support offboarding processes by organizing separation paperwork, updating systems, and ensuring documentation is completed in a timely manner.
• Assist employees with benefit elections, qualifying life event updates, retirement plan changes, and routine leave-related questions while working with external providers as needed.
• Prepare HR correspondence and standard documents, including employment verifications, personnel forms, and recurring administrative reports.
• Serve as a reliable point of contact for employee questions related to payroll, benefits, and general HR matters, escalating more complex concerns to leadership when appropriate.
• Partner with payroll vendors and internal finance or accounting contacts to support reconciliations, reporting, compliance activities, and accurate recordkeeping.
• At least 3 years of experience in human resources, payroll administration, or a blended HR/payroll role.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience processing payroll and resolving payroll-related questions or discrepancies.
• Working knowledge of HR administration, onboarding, benefits coordination, employee records management, and compliance practices.
• Proficiency with payroll and HR systems, including ADP, Paylocity or similar platforms, as well as Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.
• Strong organizational skills with close attention to detail and the ability to manage confidential information responsibly.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills with a courteous and attentive approach to employee support.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
• HR or payroll certification is a plus but not required.